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Domininicana Moda Fashion Week Highlights

Last week's 2012 edition of Dominicana Moda - the Caribbean's Fashion Week equivalent - sent out one key message: the Caribbean is not solely about piña coladas, sexy swimwear and white powder beaches - rather, it's a place to find rising design stars, worthy of fashion veneration. In fact, its designers are not only successful in terms of their collections, but they also showcase them for a good cause - more than $1.5 million (£900,000), from ticket sales have gone to local charities since 2006, when the event was founded.

Designer Oriett Domenech, who also has a fan base in the US, revealed an audacious take on body-con dresses, fusing leathers with printed silks, technical fabrics and cork.

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''I like to break with the traditional Latina image and yet keep its feminine side," explained Domenech. ''This is why I use unexpected materials like cork, in order to add an edge to my dresses.''

"People expect a lot of frills and glitter when it comes to Latin-American design", explained Venezuelan designer and CFDA member Angel Sanchez. "They'd be surprised to see the exact contrary: Latin-American glamour can perfectly shape feminine curves through rigid geometries and minimal aesthetics.''